Corowa Hospital was built in 1894 and a redevelopment is long overdue.
A submission strongly supporting a major redevelopment of Corowa Hospital and a summary plan for the Urana Multi-Purpose Service have been released by Federation Council marking a major commitment to the future of health care across the Shire.
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Mayor Cheryl Cook said Corowa Hospital was a vital community asset, but with parts of the facility dating back to pre-1900, a modern redevelopment was long overdue.
The submission to Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD) strongly supports a major redevelopment of the ageing facility while calling for greater community consultation and transparency.
The draft summary reveals that the healthcare needs of the local catchment would be best served through a full redevelopment of Corowa hospital.
“Maintaining and updating local healthcare facilities is essential,” Cr Cook said.
“It ensures our residents can receive quality care close to home and reduces unnecessary pressure on major regional centres like Albury, Wangaratta and Wagga Wagga.”
Recommended improvements
• 24-hour emergency services, including a safe room
• Increased inpatient beds and a new close observation unit
• A fully integrated operating theatre
• Expanded radiology services, including a new CT service alongside X-ray and ultrasound
• Chair-based service areas for renal dialysis, infusions/transfusions and dental treatment
• Expanded community health, mental health, drug and alcohol clinics
• Dedicated staff accommodation and enhanced virtual health technology
Cr Cook said that while Council firmly supported the proposed upgrades in principle, its submission highlights the need for the full, detailed Health Service Plan to be made public.
Council has urged the MLHD to allow a standard 28-day public exhibition period for the completed document to build community trust and clarify critical details such as exact bed counts, parking solutions and whether the redevelopment would occur on a greenfield or brownfield site.
“Council, along with our local Health Advisory Committee, community action groups, business chamber and Justin Clancy MP, has fought passionately for this site,” Cr Cook said.
“Seeing a full redevelopment recommended in the draft plan is a fantastic step forward for our region.”
Redevelopment of the Urana MPS is also vital and overdue.
An updated Health Services Summary Plan for the Urana Multi-Purpose Service (MPS) has outlined critical redevelopment recommendations to ensure the facility meets modern healthcare needs.
Cr Cook said the Urana Multi-Purpose Service had been a pioneer for rural healthcare in NSW, but to continue serving residents effectively, its redevelopment was vital.
“Council welcomes the updated summary plan, which offers a far clearer vision for the future of healthcare in Urana than previous iterations,” she said.
“Expanding local emergency capacity, inpatient beds and specialised health services will make a world of difference for families and seniors across the district.”
The Urana Multi-Purpose Service which integrates hospital, aged care and community health service holds historical significance as the first facility of its kind established in New South Wales.
Redevelopment proposal
• 24-hour emergency services with integrated emergency and ambulatory/community spaces
• An increase inpatient bed capacity
• Enhanced clinic spaces and virtual health technology to lower travel burdens for outpatient visits
• On-site pathology collection, pharmacy, mental health, drug and alcohol community services
• Upgraded staff accommodation, education and training spaces
